Headline News ... or, Ronnie Earle's Hometown Paper

Statesman attempts countering DeLay's bias whining with headline spin

On the day Ronnie Earle announced the indictment of House Speaker Tom DeLay, the editorialists at the Austin American-Statesman felt the need to defend themselves against DeLay's accusation of being "Mr. Earle's hometown newspaper." And since then, the editorial brass has been anything but friendly to their hometown boy. The story has been front-page, above-the-fold news nine times, and if reporter Laylan Copelin's reporting has been solid and balanced, you can't say the same for the folks who write the headlines, and control the spin on the front page. Even by Statesman standards, the anti-Earle slant has been remarkable – starting from day one, Thursday, Sept. 29, when the headline wasn't, say, "DeLay indicted on felony charges, resigns post" but:

Day 1: DeLay blames vengeful politics for indictment

Day 2: DeLay goes on media offensive
Former House Speaker claims Democrats, Earle colluded in case

Day 3: 'Crime story' documentary stirs political ire
Prosecutor gave filmmakers access to DeLay investigation to pump up his case, critics say

Day 4: Earle lost Kay; can he beat DeLay?

Day 6: DeLay indicted on 2 new counts
Defense says Earle wants a 'do-over' for 'illegitimate' case

Day 7: One grand jury refused DeLay charge

Day 14: DeLay's lawyers seek jury details
Defense subpoenas records in attempt to prove misconduct

And finally, over a photo of defendants Jim Ellis and John Colyandro consulting with their "media relations specialist" Melissa Hopkins:

Day 17: 'This is a prosecution that's run amok'

See, a media relations specialist can show you how to overcome that hometown bias.

Got something to say? The Chronicle welcomes opinion pieces on any topic from the community. Submit yours now at austinchronicle.com/opinion.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

Support the Chronicle  

READ MORE
More by Nick Barbaro
Public Notice: We Have Seen the Future, and ...
Public Notice: We Have Seen the Future, and ...
Deconstructing Project Connect’s new vision for light rail

March 24, 2023

Public Notice: School Boards and Rail Lines
Public Notice: School Boards and Rail Lines
Searching for a super, roughing out the rail routes

March 17, 2023

MORE IN THE ARCHIVES
NEWSLETTERS
One click gets you all the newsletters listed below

Breaking news, arts coverage, and daily events

Can't keep up with happenings around town? We can help.

Austin's queerest news and events

Eric Goodman's Austin FC column, other soccer news

All questions answered (satisfaction not guaranteed)

Information is power. Support the free press, so we can support Austin.   Support the Chronicle